New Hyundai i20 vs Seat Ibiza

Buying and owning

Costs, equipment, reliability, safety and security

The list prices of the i20 and Ibiza are separated by less than £100, but once you factor in dealer discounts, the Ibiza is cheaper to buy outright by almost £1200. Things are closer if you go down the PCP financing route, as most will. Hyundai and Seat will both contribute £1500 towards your deposit, but the Ibiza again comes out cheapest, by £11 per month.

But where the i20 really falls down is for ownership costs for private buyers. While it is officially more fuel efficient, it attracts larger insurance premiums and sheds its value at a faster rate. As a result, it will cost you roughly £2000 more to own over three years.

There’s less of a cost disparity if you’re a company car driver. The i20 and Ibiza are competitive on CO2 emissions and list price, so the difference in BIK tax between them over three years for a 40% taxpayer is just £33, in favour of the i20.

Both cars are generously equipped, but the i20 sets itself apart with a superior list of safety kit. Not only does it get front and rear parking sensors and a rear-view camera as standard, but it also gets lane-keeping assistance with lane departure warning. Usually, such features are available only on cars costing twice as much.

However, it’s worth keeping in mind that the i20 scored a four-star Euro NCAP rating, while the Ibiza got the full five, doing particularly well on adult occupant protection.

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